Celebrating life at Barchester

The team wore their PJs to raise money for children in need. In total, we raised £17.72 — every little counts for this worthwhile cause. Children in Need is a UK charity that supports disadvantaged children and young people, helping to provide essential resources, mental-health support, community programmes, and opportunities that can change lives.

The resident thought it was a great idea and can’t wait for Christmas T-shirt day.    

In the afternoon, we concentrated on celebrating International Men’s Day. Our planned trip to the pub didn’t quite work out… so we decided to bring the pub to our gentlemen instead! 

We put together a proper pub-style trolley stocked with pork scratchings, nuts, crisps, and a selection of beers, and visited the gentlemen’s rooms to give them their own mini-pub experience right here at home. One of our residents said it reminds him of happy memories that we reminisced on together. 

A day full of creativity, fun, and thoughtful moments.    

We had the most wonderful evening on Wednesday celebrating Bonfire Night together! Everyone gathered to watch our fantastic firework display — some residents wrapped up warm to enjoy the show from the patio, while others watched from the comfort of indoors. We kept cosy with mulled wine and hot chocolates topped with cream and marshmallows, which went down a treat. 

Later, we tucked into a delicious spread of proper bonfire food — hot dogs, burgers, fried onions, chips and mushy peas — followed by chocolate-covered marshmallows for dessert.  It was lovely to see so many family members and friends come along to attend the celebrations. The smiles and warmth of the evening made it truly special for everyone involved.      

We take a moment to pause, reflect, and honour all those who have served and sacrificed — the brave men and women who gave so much for our freedom. 

Over the last few weeks, our residents have been busy preparing something special to mark this important time. During our Knit and Natter sessions and in their own free time, residents have been knitting beautiful poppies. as well as painting or making card poppies during craft sessions.

On Friday, we came together to assemble our handmade creations into a wreath for our home, which is now proudly displayed by the entrance. It’s a lovely and heartfelt symbol of remembrance, made with care and love by everyone here.  

Today our residents enjoyed their very first Dementia Disco   and what a wonderful success it was!

Music and movement offer so many benefits for those living with dementia; from boosting mood and confidence to helping with memory and connection. And today, we saw all of that come to life. The room was filled with laughter, rhythm, familiar songs, and lots of beautiful smiles.  

It was truly heart-warming.   

We welcomed the local community to have a wiz-bang time with our residents and staff at Wheatlands as we enjoyed our annual firework display. 

Despite the awful weather, we didn't let the rain dampen our spirits and who doesn't love a bit of puddle jumping, Lea-Ann, our general manager, certainly enjoyed joining the children for a splashing time!  

Here at Wheatlands Care Home, we like to make our residents' wishes come true, no matter how big or small. As soon as Racheal found out we were having a new veterinary surgery, she got very excited about Much Wenlock and expressed how much she would like to meet him. Her husband ran the local vets for many years, and they were a massive part of the local Much Wenlock Community. She was delighted when Trevor of Priory Vets Much Wenlock agreed to pop up for a coffee and a chat and even more delighted to find out her dear late husband and Trevor trained at the same university. 

Barbara, whose husband was also a vet in the local community's face lit up as soon as she saw that he had brought Boris the puppy. She enjoyed giving him lots of strokes whilst listening to Trevor talk about his journey as a vet through to setting up the new vet's practice here in Much Wenlock.

Everyone had such a lovely morning. Trevor said he's going to pop up on a regular basis. We can’t wait to see him again in the New Year for a coffee and a chat. 

Residents and the local community enjoyed coming together for our spooktacular annual pumpkin carving event from spooky pumpkins to some imaginative creations from the traditional carved pumpkins, flower arrangement's to hand painted with a splash of sparkle, who doesn’t enjoy a little sparkle in their life!